A Lehman Brothers broker has been accused of running a multi-million dollar trading ring and profiting from information about the recent Anheuser-Busch takeover.   Matthew Devlin, whose wife works for PR company Brunswick, was named in a lawsuit along with eight friends,…

Pernod Ricard signed an agreement with Arcus Gruppen AS yesterday evening for the disposal of the Grönstedts Cognac, Star Gin, Red Port and Dry Anis brands.  As part of the acquisition of V&S Vin & Sprit AB, finalised on 23 July 2008, Pernod Ricard has committed to the European Commission…

UK: Halewood International is to invest in a major marketing push for Tsingtao Chinese beer to coincide with Chinese New Celebrations which take place on 26 January 2009. Halewood International is set to invest heavily in sponsorship of New Year celebrations across Chinatowns in London, Newcastle, Birmingham and Liverpool. The company will…

Privately owned spirits company Bacardi Limited has been awarded best international communication for its ‘Champions Drink Responsibly‘ campaign. The European Excellence Awards 2008, held in Budapest, recognise international campaigns in terms of innovation,…

Drinks Americas has stuck a deal with Zwilichiovskij Import-Export for the sale and distribution of the Company’s products in Germany. The fifteen year Exclusive Distribution Agreement will see Zwilichiovskij initially sell Drinks Americas’ Trump Vodka and Old Whiskey River Bourbon. Zwilichiovskij will also distribute Drinks Americas’ Leyrat Cognac and Topless…

Russian River Valley grape growers have voted against a request to expand the southern appellation boundary – to include 350 acres ofE&J Gallo vineyards in Cotati. According to pressdemocrat.com and Russian River Valley Winegrowers president Hector Bedolla, growers voted in a secret ballot and 71 members opposed, while 18 supported the request. 25 votes were cast as neutral. Gallo asked the…

Diageo is to invest €24m in making Ireland its global research and development centre for beer. The new Centre of Excellence has received support from Enterprise Ireland. Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan TD announced…